Retractable foot support for pedicure lounger

ABSTRACT

A pedicure lounger for supporting a person during a pedicure comprises a seat support, a foot support and a mover assembly. The seat support supports at least a portion of the person during the pedicure. The foot support is coupled to the seat support. The mover assembly selectively moves the foot support relative to the seat support rotationally and translationally between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The mover assembly includes a hinge member that is coupled to the foot support. Further, the hinge member provides a rotation axis about which the foot support rotates relative to the seat support. Moreover, the hinge member is slidable relative to the seat support. In particular, the hinge member can slide translationally relative to the seat support during translational movement of the foot support relative to the seat support. The mover assembly can further include an actuator that independently and consecutively moves the foot support rotationally and translationally relative to the seat support.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/186,170 filed on Jun. 11, 2009 and entitled “Retractable Foot Support for Pedicure Lounger”. As far as is permitted, the contents of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/186,170 are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

As the benefits of various salon treatments are becoming more widely appreciated, more and more people are choosing to receive salon treatments. One such popular salon treatment is the pedicure, which helps people to improve the appearance of their feet and toe nails. When receiving a pedicure, a person is typically sitting in a chair that includes a seat support and a foot support where the feet can rest comfortably. Additionally, the pedicure also often includes the use of a foot bath where certain features of the pedicure are performed. Most chairs used for pedicures use a hinge between the foot support and the seat support, wherein the foot support rotates from approximately parallel to the seat support to approximately perpendicular to the seat support in order to provide better access to the foot bath. Unfortunately, when the foot support is at the lowest point of rotation, it is still in front of the seat support by the thickness of foam and plywood from the hinge point, thereby eliminating some of the comfort for the user when accessing the foot bath.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a pedicure lounger for supporting a person during a pedicure. In certain embodiments, the pedicure lounger comprises a seat support, a foot support and a mover assembly. The seat support supports at least a portion of the person during the pedicure. The foot support is coupled to the seat support. The mover assembly selectively moves the foot support relative to the seat support rotationally and translationally between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. In some embodiments, the mover assembly includes a hinge member that is coupled to the foot support and that provides a rotation axis about which the foot support rotates relative to the seat support. In one such embodiment, the hinge member is slidable relative to the seat support. In particular, the hinge member can slide translationally relative to the seat support during translational movement of the foot support relative to the seat support.

In certain embodiments, the foot support can be located at any position between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration. In one embodiment, when the foot support is in the extended configuration, the foot support is substantially parallel to seat support. Additionally, in one embodiment, when the foot support is in the retracted configuration, the foot support is substantially transverse to seat support.

In one embodiment, the mover assembly further includes an actuator that independently and consecutively moves the foot support rotationally and translationally relative to the seat support. In such embodiment, during movement of the foot support from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration, the mover assembly moves the foot support rotationally relative to the seat support prior to moving the foot support translationally relative to the seat support. Somewhat similarly, in such embodiment, during movement of the foot support from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration, the mover assembly moves the foot support translationally relative to the seat support prior to moving the foot support rotationally relative to the seat support.

In one embodiment, the mover assembly further includes a plurality of linkages, wherein at least one of the plurality of linkages is coupled to the foot support and at least one of the linkages is coupled to the seat support. In one embodiment, the mover assembly can further include an actuator that moves the plurality of linkages relative to one another to move the foot support rotationally relative to the seat support.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the mover assembly further includes a slider member and a member holder, wherein the slider member is coupled to the foot support and the member holder is coupled to the seat support. In one embodiment, the mover assembly can further include an actuator that moves the slider member relative to the member holder to move the foot support translationally relative to the seat support.

In some embodiments, the pedicure lounger further comprises a back support that is coupled to the seat support. In one such embodiment, the mover assembly selectively moves the back support relative to the seat support rotationally between a fully upright position and a fully reclined position. Further, the back support can be located at any position between the fully upright position and the fully reclined position. Moreover, in one embodiment, the mover assembly further includes a linkage assembly and a back support actuator. In such embodiment, the back support actuator moves the linkage assembly to move the back support between the fully upright position and the fully reclined position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a simplified perspective view of one embodiment of a pedicure lounger having features of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a simplified side view of the pedicure lounger illustrated in FIG. 1A, with the foot support in the extended configuration and the back support in the fully reclined position;

FIG. 1C is a simplified perspective view of the pedicure lounger illustrated in FIG. 1A, with the foot support in the retracted configuration and the back support in the fully upright position;

FIGS. 2A-2F are simplified sectional side views of the pedicure lounger illustrated in FIG. 1A demonstrating the gradual movement of the foot support from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration;

FIG. 3A is a flowchart that outlines the movement of a foot support of a pedicure lounger having features of the present invention from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration; and

FIG. 3B is a flowchart that outlines the movement of a foot support of a pedicure lounger having features of the present invention from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a simplified perspective view of one embodiment of a pedicure lounger 10 having features of the present invention. As illustrated, the pedicure lounger 10 includes a back support 12, a seat support 14, a foot support 16, and a support assembly 18.

As an overview, the pedicure lounger 10 is uniquely designed so that the foot support 16 is rotationally and translationally movable relative to the seat support 14 between an extended configuration (illustrated in FIG. 1B) and a retracted configuration (illustrated in FIG. 1C). In particular, the support assembly 18 is uniquely designed so that the foot support 16 can be easily and mechanically adjusted relative to the seat support 14 to any position along a continuum between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration to enhance the comfort of the person receiving the pedicure throughout the pedicure procedure. Additionally, when the foot support 16 is positioned in the retracted configuration, one or more feet 20 (illustrated in FIG. 2F) of the person receiving the pedicure can easily and comfortably be positioned within a foot bath 22 (illustrated in FIG. 2F).

Further, the pedicure lounger 10 is uniquely designed so that the back support 12 is selectively movable relative to the seat support 14 between a fully reclined position (illustrated in FIG. 1B) and a fully upright position (illustrated in FIG. 1C). In particular, the support assembly 18 is uniquely designed so that the back support 12 can be easily and mechanically adjusted, i.e. rotated, relative to the seat support 14 to any position along a continuum between the fully upright position and the fully reclined to enhance the comfort of the person receiving the pedicure throughout the pedicure procedure. Additionally, when the foot support 16 is positioned in the retracted configuration and the back support 12 is in the fully reclined position, as in FIG. 1B, the pedicure lounger 10 can function as a massage table.

The back support 12 supports the back of the user when the user is positioned on the pedicure lounger 10. The design of the back support 12 can be varied to suit the specific requirements of the pedicure lounger 10. As illustrated, in certain embodiments, the back support 12 includes a back support base 24, a back pad (not illustrated) that is positioned on the back support base 24, and a back pad cover 26 that is positioned over the back pad and secures the back pad to the back support base 24. Alternatively, for example, the back support 12 can be made without the back pad and/or the back pad cover 26.

The back support base 24 is generally rigid and can be made of a rigid material such as wood, aluminum, plastic or other suitable materials. In alternative, non-exclusive embodiments, the back support base 24 has a thickness of approximately 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, or 1 inches. However, other thicknesses can be utilized.

The back pad provides a cushion for the comfort of the person seated on the pedicure lounger 10. Non-exclusive examples of suitable materials for the back pad include foam, memory foam, fleece pads, etc.

The back pad cover 26 secures the back pad to the back support base 24 and provides a protective covering for the back pad. Non-exclusive examples of suitable materials for the back pad cover 26 include leather, plastic, and cloth.

Additionally, as illustrated in this embodiment, the back support 12 includes a first back end 12F and an opposed second back end 12S. As shown, the first back end 12F is substantially adjacent to the seat support 14 and the second back end 12S is positioned away from the seat support 14.

In some embodiments, the pedicure lounger 10 further includes a hinge (not illustrated) that hingably connects the back support 12 to the seat support 14 to allow the back support 12 to rotate and/or incline relative to the seat support 14. This allows the user to choose a comfortable inclined position in which to receive the pedicure. The back support 12 can be manually or mechanically rotated relative to the seat support 14 so that the person receiving the pedicure can choose the most comfortable inclined position in which to receive the pedicure.

The seat support 14 supports the backside of the user when the user is positioned on the pedicure lounger 10. The design of the seat support 14 can be varied to suit the specific requirements of the pedicure lounger 10. In certain embodiments, the seat support 14 includes a seat support base 30, a seat pad (not illustrated) that is positioned on the seat support base 30, and a seat pad cover 32 that is positioned over the seat pad and secures the seat pad to the seat support base 30. Alternatively, for example, the seat support 14 can be made without the seat pad and/or the seat pad cover 32.

The seat support base 30 is generally rigid and can be made of a rigid material such as wood, aluminum, plastic or other suitable materials. In alternative, non-exclusive embodiments, the seat support base 30 has a thickness of approximately 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, or 1 inches. However, other thicknesses can be utilized.

The seat pad provides a cushion for the comfort of the person seated on the pedicure lounger 10. Non-exclusive examples of suitable materials for the seat pad include foam, memory foam, fleece pads, etc.

The seat pad cover 32 secures the seat pad to the seat support base 30 and provides a protective covering for the seat pad. Non-exclusive examples of suitable materials for the seat pad cover 32 include leather, plastic, and cloth.

Additionally, as illustrated in this embodiment, the seat support 14 includes a first seat end 14F and an opposed second seat end 14S. As shown, the first seat end 14F is substantially adjacent to the back support 12, i.e. to the first back end 12F of the back support 12, and the second seat end 14S is substantially adjacent to the foot support 16.

As noted above, the foot support 16 can be selectively moved relative to the seat support 14 between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration. The foot support 16 is positioned generally adjacent to the seat support 14 and is designed to support the legs and feet 20 of the user when the user is positioned on the pedicure lounger 10 and the foot support 16 is positioned in the extended configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. Additionally, when the foot support 16 is moved to the retracted configuration, the feet 20 of the user can easily and comfortably dangle into the foot bath 22, as illustrated in FIG. 2F.

The design of the foot support 16 can be varied to suit the specific requirements of the pedicure lounger 10. In certain embodiments, the foot support 16 includes a foot support base 34, a foot pad (not illustrated) that is positioned on the foot support base 34, and a foot pad cover 36 that is positioned over the foot pad and secures the foot pad to the foot support base 34. Alternatively, for example, the foot support 16 can be made without the foot pad and/or the foot pad cover 36.

The foot support base 34 is generally rigid and can be made of a rigid material such as wood, aluminum, plastic or other suitable materials. In alternative, non-exclusive embodiments, the foot support base 34 has a thickness of approximately 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, or 1 inches. However, other thicknesses can be utilized.

The foot pad provides a cushion for the comfort of the person seated on the pedicure lounger 10. Non-exclusive examples of suitable materials for the foot pad include foam, memory foam, fleece pads, etc.

The foot pad cover 36 secures the foot pad to the foot support base 34 and provides a protective covering for the foot pad. Non-exclusive examples of suitable materials for the foot pad cover 36 include leather, plastic, and cloth.

Additionally, as illustrated in this embodiment, the foot support 16 includes a first foot end 16F and an opposed second foot end 16S. As shown, the first foot end 16F is substantially adjacent to the second seat end 14S of the seat support 14 and the second foot end 16S is positioned away from the seat support 14.

The support assembly 18 supports the back support 12, the seat support 14 and the foot support 16 above a surface 38, such as a floor or the ground. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the support assembly 18 includes a support base 40, a support frame 42 and a mover assembly 44.

The support base 40 is positioned on and can be selectively fixedly secured to the surface 38. The support base 40 is designed to support the support frame 42, the mover assembly 44, the back support 12, the seat support 14 and the foot support 16 above the surface 38.

The support frame 42 supports the back support 12, the seat support 14 and the foot support 16 above the surface 38. The design of the support frame 42 can be varied to suit the specific requirements of the pedicure lounger 10. As shown in this embodiment, the support frame 42 can be pivotally connected to the support base 40 via a pivot 45 and can be fixedly secured to one or more of the seat support 14 and the back support 12. In certain embodiments, the support frame 42 can include a first frame side that is connected near one side of the support base 40 and an opposed second frame side that is connected near the other side of the support base 40. The design of each frame side of the support frame 42 can be substantially identical; accordingly, only one frame side will be described in detail herein.

As illustrated, each frame side of the support frame 42 can include a somewhat rectangular shaped base member 42A, a substantially T-shaped first arm 42B and a somewhat question mark shaped second arm 42C. The base member 42A is pivotally connected to the support base 40. The first arm 42B extends in a generally upward direction away from the base member 42A and is fixedly secured to the seat support base 30 of the seat support 14. The second arm 42C also extends in a generally upward direction away from the base member 42A and is fixedly and pivotally secured to the back support base 24 of the back support 12. More particularly, the second arm 42C is pivotally secured near the first end 12F of the back support 12 such that there is essentially only a single point of contact between the support frame 42 and the back support 12 when the back support 12 is in other than the fully reclined position, as, for example, in FIG. 1A. Moreover, when the back support 12 is in the fully reclined position, as in FIG. 1B, the second arm 42 provides a length of contact between the support frame 42 and the back support 12 to provide greater support when a person may be fully reclined on the pedicure lounger 10, i.e. utilizing the pedicure lounger 10 essentially as a massage table.

The mover assembly 44, as will be described in greater detail below, selectively moves the back support 12 rotationally relative to the seat support 14 between the fully upright position and the fully reclined position. Additionally, as will be described in greater detail below, the mover assembly 44 selectively moves the foot support 16 rotationally and translationally relative to the seat support between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration.

FIG. 1B is a simplified side view of the pedicure lounger 10 illustrated in FIG. 1A, with the foot support 16 in the extended configuration and the back support 12 in the fully reclined position. As shown in FIG. 1B, when the foot support 16 is in the extended configuration, the foot support 16 is positioned such that it is in substantially the same plane as the seat support 14. Stated another way, when the foot support 16 is in the extended configuration, the foot support 16 is substantially parallel to the seat support 14. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1B, when the back support 12 is in the fully reclined position, the back support 12 is positioned such that it is in substantially the same plane as the seat support 14. Stated another way, when the back support 12 is in the fully reclined position, the back support 12 is substantially parallel to the seat support 14. Accordingly, when the foot support 16 is in the extended configuration and the back support 12 is in the fully reclined position, the back support 12, the seat support 14 and the foot support 16 are all positioned in substantially the same plane, i.e. parallel to one another. With this design, when the foot support 16 is in the extended configuration and the back support 12 is in the fully reclined position, the pedicure lounger 10 can function essentially as a massage table that supports a person lying down for purposes of receiving a massage.

FIG. 1C is a simplified perspective view of the pedicure lounger 10 illustrated in FIG. 1A, with the foot support 16 in the retracted configuration and the back support 12 in the fully upright position. As shown in FIG. 1C, when the foot support 16 is in the retracted configuration, the foot support 16 is substantially perpendicular or transverse to the seat support 14. With this design, when the foot support 16 is in the retracted configuration, the foot support 16 does not interfere with the comfort of the user when the user wants to dangle his or her feet 20 (illustrated in FIG. 2F) into the foot bath 22 as part of the pedicure procedure (illustrated in FIG. 2F).

FIGS. 2A-2F are simplified sectional side views of the pedicure lounger 10 illustrated in FIG. 1A. In particular, FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate the gradual movement of the foot support 16 relative to the seat support 14 from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration. More specifically, FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate the gradual rotational movement of the foot support 16 relative to the seat support 14, and FIGS. 2D-2F illustrate the gradual translational movement of the foot support 16 relative to the seat support 14.

Referring initially to FIG. 2A, the pedicure lounger 10 is illustrated at a moment in time when the back support 12 is in the fully upright position and the foot support 16 is in the extended configuration. As shown, the pedicure lounger 10 includes the back support 12, the seat support 14, the foot support 16, and the support assembly 18.

In this embodiment, the support assembly 18 includes the support base 40, the support frame 42 and the mover assembly 44.

The design of the mover assembly 44 can be varied to suit the specific requirements of the pedicure lounger 10 and the support assembly 18. As illustrated, the mover assembly 44 includes a back support mover system 44A and a foot support mover system 44B.

The back support mover system 44A moves the back support 12 rotationally relative to the seat support 14 so that the person receiving the pedicure can be inclined in a most comfortable position. The design of the back support mover system 44A can be varied to suit the specific requirements of the pedicure lounger 10 and the mover assembly 44. As illustrated, the back support mover system 44A includes a linkage assembly 46 and a back support actuator 47.

The back support mover system 44A can be activated at any time before, during, or after a pedicure to adjust the rotational position of the back support 12 relative to the seat support 14. Moreover, the back support mover system 44A can be activated at any time before, during, or after the movement of the foot support 16 relative to the seat support 14. In particular, the back support actuator 47 can be activated at any time to move and/or adjust the linkage assembly 46 so that the back support 12 is movable between the fully reclined position (illustrated in FIG. 1B) and the fully upright position. Additionally, as illustrated for example in FIG. 1A, the back support actuator 47 can be activated to move and/or adjust the linkage assembly 46 so that the back support 12 is positioned anywhere in between the fully reclined position and the fully upright position.

The linkage assembly 46 includes a plurality of links that are connected to and pivot relative to one another so as to enable the back support 12 to be selectively moved rotationally and retained relative to the seat support 14 in any position between the fully reclined position and the fully upright position.

The design of the back support actuator 47 can be varied to suit the specific requirements of the pedicure lounger 10 and the back support mover system 44A. In this embodiment, the back support actuator 47 is an electronic actuator that includes a first actuator end 47A and a second actuator end 47B. As illustrated, the first actuator end 47A can be pivotally coupled to the support frame 42 and the second actuator end 47B can be coupled to linkage assembly 46. Alternatively, the back support actuator 47 can have a different design and/or can be coupled to the pedicure lounger 10 at different positions. Still alternatively, the back support mover system 44A can be designed without the back support actuator 47, and the linkage assembly 46, and thus the back support 12, can be manually adjusted to relative to the seat support 14.

As noted above, the back support actuator 47 adjusts the relative position of the plurality of links of the linkage assembly 46, so as to effectively adjust the degree of inclination of the back support 12 relative to the seat support 14. With this design, the back support 12 can be positioned relative to the seat support 14 at any point along the continuum between the fully reclined position and the fully upright position.

The design of the foot support mover system 44B can be varied to suit the specific requirements of the pedicure lounger 10 and the mover assembly 44. As illustrated, the foot support mover system 44B includes a rotational mover assembly 48 that selectively moves the foot support 16 rotationally relative to the seat support 14 and a translational mover assembly 50 that selectively moves the foot support 16 translationally relative to the seat support 14. As will be discussed in greater detail below, in the embodiment illustrated herein, when moving from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration, the rotational mover assembly 48 selectively moves the foot support 16 rotationally relative to the seat support 14 prior to the translational mover assembly 50 selectively moving the foot support 16 translationally relative to the seat support 14. Further, when moving from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration, the translational mover assembly selectively moves the foot support 16 translationally relative to the seat support 14 prior to the rotational mover assembly selectively moving the foot support 16 rotationally relative to the seat support 14. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, a portion of the translational movement can occur at substantially the same time as a portion of the rotational movement. In such embodiments, this overlap or coincidence of the translational and rotational movement can occur when the foot support 16 is moving from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration and/or when the foot support 16 is moving from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the rotational mover assembly 48 includes a first rotational mover system 52, a spaced apart second rotational mover system (not visible in the Figures), and a foot support actuator 56. In this embodiment, the first rotational mover system 52 and the second rotational mover system are substantially similar in design and function. Accordingly, only the first rotational mover system 52 will be described in detail herein. In certain alternative embodiments, the rotational mover assembly 48 can be designed without the second rotational mover system.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first rotational mover system 52 includes a first linkage 58, a second linkage 60, a third linkage 62, a fourth linkage 64, and a hinge member 65 (best illustrated in FIG. 2B).

It should be noted that the use of the terms “first linkage”, “second linkage”, “third linkage”, and “fourth linkage” are merely for ease of description, and any of the linkages can be described as the “first linkage”, the “second linkage”, the “third linkage”, and/or the “fourth linkage”.

The first linkage 58 includes a first end 58A and a second end 58B. As shown in FIG. 2A, the first end 58A can be pivotally connected to the support frame 42.

The second linkage 60 includes a first end 60A and a second end 60B. In this embodiment, the first end 60A of the second linkage 60 is pivotally connected to the second end 58B of the first linkage 58. Additionally, the second end 60B of the second linkage 60 is pivotally connected to an underside 66 of the foot support 16. More specifically, the second end 60B of the second linkage 60 is pivotally connected to the underside 66 of the foot support base 34 of the foot support 16.

The third linkage 62 includes a first end 62A and a second end 62B. As shown in FIG. 2A, the first end 62A of the third linkage 62 can be pivotally connected to the second end 58B of the first linkage 58. As illustrated, the first end 62A of the third linkage 62 is pivotally connected to the second end 58B of the first linkage 58 at approximately the same position as the first end 60A of the second linkage 60 is pivotally connected to the second end 58B of the first linkage 58. Additionally, in this embodiment, the second end 62B of the third linkage 62 is pivotally connected to the fourth linkage 64.

The fourth linkage 64 includes a first end 64A and a second end 64B. In this embodiment, the first end 64A of the fourth linkage 64 is pivotally connected to an underside 68 of the seat support base 30 of the seat support 14. Additionally, the second end 64B of the fourth linkage 64 is coupled to the underside 66 of the foot support base 34 of the foot support 16.

Further, the fourth linkage 64 includes a slider portion 70 and a guide portion 72. As illustrated, the slider portion 70 is positioned within the guide portion 72 and slides relative to the guide portion 72 as the foot support 16 moves relative to the seat support 14 between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration. More particularly, the slider portion 70 slides within and relative to the guide portion 72 as the foot support 16 moves rotationally relative to the seat support 14. Additionally, in this embodiment, the second end 62B of the third linkage 62 is pivotally connected to the guide portion 72 of the fourth linkage 64.

The hinge member 65 is connected to and extends from the underside 66 of the foot support base 34. Moreover, the hinge member 65 provides a rotation axis 73 near the second end 14S of the seat support 14 about which the foot support 16 rotates relative to the seat support 14.

The design of the foot support actuator 56 can be varied to suit the specific requirements of the pedicure lounger 10 and the foot support mover system 44B. In this embodiment, the foot support actuator 56 is an electronic actuator that includes a first actuator end 56A and a second actuator end 56B. As illustrated, the first actuator end 56A can be pivotally coupled to the support frame 42 and the second actuator end 56B can be coupled to the second end 58B of the first linkage 58. Alternatively, the foot support actuator 56 can have a different design and/or can be coupled to the pedicure lounger 10 at different positions.

The foot support actuator 56 moves the support frame 42, the first rotational mover system 52 and the second rotational mover system so that the foot support 16 can rotate relative to the seat support 14 about the rotation axis 73. More particularly, the foot support actuator 56 utilizes piston-like movement to move the support frame 42, the first rotational mover system 52 and the second rotational mover system.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2D, initially, when starting from the extended configuration, as in FIG. 2A, compression of the foot support actuator 56 rotates the first linkage 58 in a clockwise direction (from the perspective as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D) relative to the support frame 42. Further, compression of the foot support actuator 56 rotates the second linkage 60 and the third linkage 62 in a counter-clockwise direction (from the perspective as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D) relative to the first linkage 58, with the third linkage 62 rotating somewhat faster than the second linkage 60. As a consequence of the relative movement of the first linkage 58, the second linkage 60 and the third linkage 62, the foot support 16 rotates in a generally downward direction relative to the seat support 14 about the rotation axis 73. In one embodiment, the second linkage 60 and the third linkage 62 continue to rotate relative to the first linkage 58 until the second linkage 60 is at an angle of slightly greater than ninety degrees relative to the first linkage 58. The rotation of the second linkage 60 and the third linkage 62 to the extent described results in the foot support 16 rotating relative to the seat support 14 by approximately ninety degrees. With this design, as noted above, when the foot support 16 is in the retracted configuration, the foot support 16 is substantially perpendicular or transverse to the seat support 14. Alternatively, the pedicure lounger 10 can be designed so that the rotational movement of the foot support 16 relative to the seat support 14 can be more than ninety or less than ninety degrees.

Further, it should be noted that during the rotational movement of the foot support 16 relative to the seat support 14, the hinge member 65 may undergo a small amount of translational movement relative to the seat support 14. More particularly, during rotational movement of the foot support 16, the hinge member 65 may initially move slightly from left to right, as illustrated for example in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and then subsequently the hinge member 65 may return to substantially the same position relative to the seat support 14 prior to the translational mover assembly 50 moving of the foot support 16 translationally relative to the seat support 14. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the hinge member 65 may undergo substantially no translational movement during the rotational movement of the foot support 16 relative to the seat support 14.

Additionally, as the second linkage 60 and the third linkage 62 rotate relative to the first linkage 58, the slider portion 70 of the fourth linkage 64 moves within and relative to the guide portion 72 of the fourth linkage 64 until a distal end 70A of the slider portion 70 is positioned substantially adjacent to a distal end 72A of the guide portion 72. At this point, the slider portion 70 can no longer slide relative to the guide portion 72 in the same direction. In an embodiment wherein the hinge member 65 moves slightly translationally during the rotational movement of the foot support 16, as noted above, the hinge member 65 may return to substantially the same, i.e. original, position relative to the seat support 14 during the final rotational movement of the foot support 16. This translational adjustment can occur after the distal end 70A of the slider portion 70 becomes positioned substantially adjacent to the distal end 72A of the guide portion 72.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2D, the translational mover assembly 50 includes a first translational mover system 74, a second translational mover system (not visible in the Figures), and the foot support actuator 56. In this embodiment, the first translational mover system 74 and the second translational mover system are substantially similar in design and function. Accordingly, only the first translational mover system 74 will be described in detail herein.

The first translational mover system 74 includes a slider member 76 and one or more member holders 78, wherein at least a portion of the slider member 76 is positioned within the one or more member holders 78 and slides relative to the one or more member holders 78. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2F, the first translational mover system 74 includes two member holders 78. Alternatively, the first translational mover system 74 can be designed to include more than two or less than two member holders 78.

As illustrated, the slider member 76 is coupled to the foot support 16 via the hinge member 65. Additionally, the one or more member holders 78 are secured to the underside 68 of the seat support base 30 of the seat support 14. With this design, as the foot support 16 moves translationally, or slides, relative to the seat support 14, the hinge member 65 also moves translationally, or slides, relative to the seat support 14. Stated another way, the hinge member 65 is uniquely slidable relative to the seat support 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 2D-2F, after completion of the rotational movement of the foot support 16 relative to the seat support 14, as described above, the foot support actuator 56 then moves the slider member 76 so that the slider member 76 slides relative to the one or more member holders 78. As the sliding member 76 slides relative to the one or more member holders 78, the foot support moves translationally relative to the seat support 14 along a translational axis 80. In one embodiment, the translational movement of the foot support 16 along the translational axis 80 relative to the seat support 14 is approximately ten inches. Alternatively, the pedicure lounger 10 can be designed so that the translational movement of the foot support 16 along the translational axis 80 relative to the seat support 14 can be more than ten or less than ten inches. Still alternatively, the pedicure lounger 10 and the foot support mover system 44B can be designed so that a portion of the translational movement of the foot support 16 relative to the seat support 14 can occur at substantially the same time as a portion of the rotational movement of the foot support 16 relative to the seat support 14.

FIG. 3A is a flowchart that outlines the movement of a pedicure lounger having features of the present invention from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration. This enables the person receiving the pedicure to comfortably position his or her feet within a footbath located near the pedicure lounger. Initially, in step 301, the person who is to receive the pedicure is seated on the pedicure lounger. Next, in step 303, the actuator(s) is activated to move the foot support relative to the seat support. Subsequently, in step 305, the foot support is rotated by the actuator(s) in a generally downward direction by approximately 90 degrees about the rotation axis relative to the seat support. Then, in step 307, the foot support is moved translationally by the actuator(s) along the translational axis by approximately 10 inches relative to the seat support so that the foot support is positioned substantially beneath the seat support. Stated another way, in this embodiment, when the foot support is moving from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration, the foot support is first at least substantially completely rotated by the actuator(s) relative to the seat support before the foot support is moved translationally relative to the seat support. Subsequently, in step 309, a foot bath is positioned near the pedicure lounger. Finally, in step 311, the person receiving the pedicure then positions his or her feet within the foot bath.

It should be noted that although specific degrees of rotational movement and specific distances of translational movement are noted above, different degrees of rotational movement and different distances of translational movement are also possible.

FIG. 3B is a flowchart that outlines the movement of a pedicure lounger having features of the present invention from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration. This enables the person receiving the pedicure to again be seated comfortably after removing his or her feet from the foot bath. Initially, in step 313, the person receiving the pedicure removes his or her feet from the foot bath. Next, in step 315, the foot bath is moved relative to the pedicure lounger so that is does not block the path of the seat support as it is moved from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration. Subsequently, in step 317, the actuator(s) is activated to move the foot support relative to the seat support. Then, in step 319, the foot support is moved translationally by the actuator(s) by approximately 10 inches relative to the seat support so that the foot support is positioned near an end of the seat support. Subsequently, in step 321, the foot support is rotated by the actuator(s) in a generally upward direction by approximately 90 degrees relative to the seat support. Stated another way, in this embodiment, when the foot support is moving from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration, the translational movement of the foot support relative to the seat support is at least substantially fully completed before the foot support is moved rotationally relative to the seat support. At this point, the person receiving the pedicure can again be seated comfortably on the pedicure lounger in an inclined position.

Again, it should be noted that although specific degrees of rotational movement and specific distances of translational movement are noted above, different degrees of rotational movement and different distances of translational movement are also possible.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments of a pedicure lounger 10 have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope. 

1. A pedicure lounger for supporting a person during a pedicure, the pedicure lounger comprising: a seat support that supports at least a portion of the person during the pedicure; a foot support that is coupled to the seat support; and a mover assembly that selectively moves the foot support relative to the seat support rotationally and translationally between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, the mover assembly including a hinge member that is coupled to the foot support and that provides a rotation axis about which the foot support rotates relative to the seat support, the hinge member being slidable relative to the seat support.
 2. The pedicure lounger of claim 1 wherein the foot support can be located at any position between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration.
 3. The pedicure lounger of claim 1 wherein the mover assembly further includes an actuator that independently and consecutively moves the foot support rotationally and translationally relative to the seat support.
 4. The pedicure lounger of claim 3 wherein during movement of the foot support from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration, the mover assembly moves the foot support rotationally relative to the seat support prior to moving the foot support translationally relative to the seat support.
 5. The pedicure lounger of claim 3 wherein during movement of the foot support from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration, the mover assembly moves the foot support translationally relative to the seat support prior to moving the foot support rotationally relative to the seat support.
 6. The pedicure lounger of claim 1 wherein when the foot support is in the extended configuration, the foot support is substantially parallel to seat support, and wherein when the foot support is in the retracted configuration, the foot support is substantially transverse to seat support.
 7. The pedicure lounger of claim 1 wherein the hinge member slides translationally relative to the seat support during translational movement of the foot support relative to the seat support.
 8. The pedicure lounger of claim 1 wherein the mover assembly further includes a plurality of linkages, wherein at least one of the plurality of linkages is coupled to the foot support and at least one of the linkages is coupled to the seat support.
 9. The pedicure lounger of claim 8 wherein the mover assembly further includes an actuator that moves the plurality of linkages relative to one another to move the foot support rotationally relative to the seat support.
 10. The pedicure lounger of claim 1 wherein the mover assembly further includes a slider member and a member holder, wherein the slider member is coupled to the foot support and the member holder is coupled to the seat support.
 11. The pedicure lounger of claim 10 wherein the mover assembly further includes an actuator that moves the slider member relative to the member holder to move the foot support translationally relative to the seat support.
 12. The pedicure lounger of claim 11 wherein the hinge member slides translationally relative to the seat support when the foot support moves translationally relative to the seat support.
 13. The pedicure lounger of claim 1 further comprising a back support that is coupled to the seat support, wherein the mover assembly selectively moves the back support relative to the seat support rotationally between a fully upright position and a fully reclined position.
 14. The pedicure lounger of claim 13 wherein the back support can be located at any position between the fully upright position and the fully reclined position.
 15. The pedicure lounger of claim 13 wherein the mover assembly further includes a linkage assembly and a back support actuator, and wherein the back support actuator moves the linkage assembly to move the back support between the fully upright position and the fully reclined position. 